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Modelling & Simulation (M&S) is a critical technology for NATO and the Nations with applications to defence, homeland security and economics. Computer models are able to mime behaviours of existing real world systems, or hypothetical future systems. M&S enables experiments in a virtual environment with the potential to increase understanding and performance.

Since 2008, NATO has been providing protection from piracy in international waters in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa. The solution to piracy, which may be some time in coming, ultimately lies on shore. Until then, counter-piracy includes multinational policing operations and fortifying merchant vessels for pirate avoidance and the prevention of boarding. The Centre addresses elements of these in several projects.

One challenge that NATO faces is the vulnerability of its military forces and critical infrastructure to terrorist attacks from the waterside in ports and harbours.CMRE is developing a system concept for early contact and warning above and below the water in ports.The Centre is also engaging military and civilian security providers early in the concept development cycle in this new area of research by hosting conferences, offering courses and hosting virtual red-on-blue gaming exercises on CMRE's OpenSea Tactical Theatre Simulator.

A key to developing autonomous systems for NATO is communication among data gathering platforms below and above the water. Unlike mature network technologies that are used above water, underwater communication is in its nascent stages. The Centre is uniquely positioned to develop the necessary technologies and to help develop and promote the necessary standards and protocols for interoperable communication and networking environments.

Read more on the Communications and Networks in the Maritime Environment fact sheet.